New Orleans, Louisiana known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious cuisine, is an exciting destination for any traveler. For wheelchair users, the city offers a range of accessible attractions and accommodations that make exploring this unique city both enjoyable and manageable.
Accessible Attractions
- French Quarter: The heart of New Orleans, the French Quarter, is a must-visit. While some of the older buildings have steps and uneven sidewalks, many shops, restaurants, and attractions have made efforts to be accessible. Royal Street, with its art galleries and street performers, is particularly enjoyable.
- Jackson Square: This historic park is fully accessible, with smooth paths and plenty of space to navigate. Surrounding the square are accessible attractions like the St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo.
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas: Located along the Mississippi River, this aquarium is fully accessible with ramps and elevators, offering a great indoor activity with stunning views of marine life.
- Steamboat Natchez: Experience a ride on an authentic steamboat with wheelchair access. The Natchez offers ramps and elevators, ensuring that all guests can enjoy the scenic river cruise and live jazz music.
- City Park: This expansive park offers accessible pathways and attractions, including the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, both of which have accessible facilities and routes.
Accommodations
- Hotel Monteleone: Situated in the French Quarter, this historic hotel offers accessible rooms with roll-in showers and is within walking distance to many key attractions.
- Hyatt Regency New Orleans: Located in the Central Business District, this hotel provides modern accessibility features and is close to public transportation, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.
- Higgins Hotel New Orleans: This hotel, associated with the National WWII Museum, offers accessible rooms and is located near several major attractions.
Transportation
- Streetcars: While not all streetcars in New Orleans are accessible, the city has made efforts to include accessible options on certain lines, particularly the Canal Street line. Accessible stops are marked, and ramps are available for boarding.
- Public Buses: The Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates a fleet of accessible buses that can take you around the city. They are equipped with ramps and securement areas for wheelchairs.
- Accessible Taxis and Ride Shares: A few taxi companies and ride-sharing services in New Orleans offer accessible vehicles. It’s advisable to book in advance to ensure availability. One is Move NOLA Taxi Dispatch (504) 533-0000. Another is Dave Transportation (504) 875-4151.
Dining
- Café du Monde: Enjoy the famous beignets and coffee at this iconic spot. The outdoor seating area is accessible, though it can get crowded.
- Commander’s Palace: This renowned restaurant offers fine dining in an accessible setting. Be sure to make a reservation and inform them of any accessibility needs.
- Drago’s Seafood Restaurant: Located in the Hilton New Orleans Riverside, Drago’s is famous for its charbroiled oysters and offers a fully accessible dining experience.
Common Barriers
- Uneven Sidewalks and Cobblestones: Many areas, especially in the French Quarter, have uneven sidewalks, cobblestones, and narrow pathways that can be challenging to navigate in a wheelchair.
- Historic Buildings: Many historic buildings and attractions have steps at the entrance and lack ramps or elevators due to their age and architectural restrictions.
- Public Transportation: While the city is improving accessibility, not all streetcars and bus stops are fully accessible. It’s important to check accessibility in advance, especially for streetcars.
- Limited Accessible Accommodations: Although many hotels offer accessible rooms, the availability can be limited. Booking well in advance is often necessary to ensure accessible accommodations.
- Crowded Areas: Popular areas and events like Mardi Gras can be very crowded, making navigation difficult for wheelchair users. It’s important to plan visits during less busy times if possible.
- Weather Conditions: New Orleans’ heat and humidity can be physically taxing. Rain can also cause flooding, making some areas difficult to navigate.
